Firefighter dies in motorcycle accident

Staff Report 

Irving—Joshua Brandes, 41, a Fire Equipment Operator with the Irving Fire Department, a reserve police officer with the Decatur Police Department, and volunteer school resource officer for Decatur ISD, suffered fatal injuries during a motorcycle accident in Parker County on Oct. 1 around 1 p.m. Brandes' Harley Davidson was traveling on FM 51 south of Highway 199 near Lynch Bend Road when he attempted to avoid a semi-truck stopped on north FM 51 to make a turn. Brandes clipped the back of the semi, injuring his leg. He then stuck a car traveling south. 

First responders provided emergency care and CPR but could not save Brandes' life. A procession of honor escorted his body to the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office. 

The Irving Fire Department said he initially served in the Fire Prevention Division before transitioning to Fire Suppression. Brandes was a coordinator for the Irving Citizen's Fire Academy program and an active member of its Peer Support Team. 

"It is with a heavy heart that the Irving Fire Department reports the off-duty passing of our Brother, Fire Equipment Operator Joshua Brandes," the Irving Fire Department said on Facebook. "FEO Brandes selflessly served the city of Irving for over thirteen years and will be missed by all. Please keep his family, and the members of this department, in your thoughts and prayers as they grieve his loss. Rest in peace, Brother."